NO DANCING IN THE STREETS OF RAITH

Last updated : 05 December 2004 By Duke Of Galloway

Eric Paton
Queens recorded a solid victory against a rather unimpressive Raith eleven who rarely threatened. Queens took a firm grip of the game early on with Mc Laughlan and Gibson looking in the mood. The Raith front two of Sacko and Quattara looked impressive on the ball but Thomson and Craig looked too streetwise and Scott was rarely troubled. Queens had the best of a lethargic first half but created very little until good fortune intervened via the referee. A clearance from the Raith defence seemed to come off the referee and land nicely for Lyle on 26 minutes to run on unchallenged to beat Berthelot. Raith responded by having a go at the Queens back four but Thomson and Craig were holding the fort well. As the half ended the Palmy faithful were reasonably pleased and were looking for a few more goals in the second period.

Half-Time Queens 1 Raith 0

Queens resumed well in control during the second half without creating an awful lot of chances. Gibson was getting some rough treatment from the Raith defence as they resorted to all sorts of skullduggery to stop the talented winger. Paton was also back to his usual self and from one of his surging runs his drive just slipped past the post. Raith were just hanging on and on 65 minutes the game was over as the impressive Paton rammed home a beauty from a Gibson corner. Gibson continued to treat the crowd to some wonderful wing play but his final ball let him down at times. Mc Niven came on for the last few minutes and very nearly made it 3-0 but his shot was somehow blocked on the line. In the end Queens ran out confortable winners but one must take the quality of the opposition into consideration. However our back four look solid and the midfield looked a lot better although Bowey had another disappointing game and was eventually substituted. Paton looks back to his best and Gibson just gets better and better. McLaughlan put in a good shift along with Bagan but Burns looks a bit short of pace after his injury. Anyway a welcome three points as we consolidate our position and bring on Ross County.

An Eric Paton special seals it for Quuens

Thomson and Craig organise their defence